Ottawa Mosquitoes Are Back — Here's How to Survive the Season
Ottawa residents have enjoyed a relatively bite-free spring thanks to cooler-than-average temperatures, but experts warn the city's mosquito population is gearing up for a full comeback as the mercury climbs.
If you've been enjoying evenings on your porch without the usual soundtrack of slapping and swatting, don't get too comfortable. Entomologists say the delay was simply that — a delay, not a reprieve.
Why the Late Start?
Mosquitoes are cold-blooded insects, meaning their activity is tightly linked to temperature. Ottawa's drawn-out cool spring slowed the development of larvae in standing water, pushing back the typical emergence timeline by a few weeks. But once temperatures consistently hit the mid-teens and above, development accelerates quickly.
Standing water left by spring rains — in clogged eavestroughs, bird baths, planters, and low-lying yards — provides the perfect breeding ground. Even a bottle cap's worth of water can host dozens of larvae.
When to Expect Peak Season
In Ottawa, mosquito season typically peaks in June and July, with numbers tapering off as summer wears on. This year, experts anticipate the surge may arrive slightly later than usual but hit with similar intensity. Humid evenings near the Rideau River, Dow's Lake, and other waterways around the city are historically among the worst spots.
Your Ottawa Mosquito Survival Guide
1. Eliminate standing water around your property. Empty and scrub bird baths weekly, clear eavestroughs, and flip over any containers that collect rainwater. This is the single most effective thing you can do.
2. Use an EPA- or Health Canada–approved repellent. Products containing DEET, icaridin (also called picaridin), or oil of lemon eucalyptus are all proven effective. Icaridin is a good option for those who prefer a gentler formula that won't damage plastics or synthetic fabrics.
3. Time your outings. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. If you're planning a patio dinner or an evening walk along the Rideau Canal, consider wearing long sleeves or applying repellent before heading out.
4. Install or repair window and door screens. A small tear is all it takes for a determined mosquito to find its way inside.
5. Consider a fan on your patio. Mosquitoes are weak fliers. A simple box fan pointed at your seating area can dramatically reduce bites during outdoor gatherings.
6. Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours and can bite through tight fabric. Light, breathable layers offer both comfort and a modest barrier.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the nuisance factor, Ottawa Public Health monitors mosquito populations for West Nile Virus each season. While cases in Ottawa have historically been low, the health unit typically ramps up surveillance trapping in June and issues advisories if virus-carrying species are detected. It's worth keeping an eye on their updates through the summer.
For now, stock up on repellent, check your yard for standing water, and mentally prepare for the annual rite of passage that is an Ottawa summer evening.
Source: Ottawa Citizen